Thursday, May 25, 2017

25 May 2017 - good grief



Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.

The world rejoices because it seems like they are right. It seems like wealth, health, and success, are the true drivers of happiness. People who have such things often to often be happy. As Christians we are concerned more about things which are not as easily quantified. We're concerned with love of God and neighbor. Our treasure is ultimately in heaven rather than on earth. We do not avail ourselves of every pleasure that the world offers. Seeking to fulfill ourselves does not come first. But our values are for things that matter. Our treasure is something that lasts.

Jesus said to his disciples: 
"A little while and you will no longer see me,
and again a little while later and you will see me."

Sometimes Jesus seems distant from us. At such times the world laughs and feels vindicated in living for the moment and finding no greater purpose than eating, drinking, and merrymaking. But no matter if it is the Cross or the Ascension that takes Jesus from our sight it is still nevertheless only our sight from which he is taken. He is alive. And his return to us is ever more profound and lasting. When his physical human body returns to heaven in the Ascension his presence through the Holy Spirit in the Church and especially the Eucharist is more abundant than ever. Our joy becomes more and more permanent while those who hope in this life only gradually begin to realize that it is not solid ground on which they stand.

With Paul let us proclaim this truth. Jesus is the Christ. He is the answer to all of the promises of God, vindicated by his Resurrection and Ascension. Paul has the courage to proclaim this truth because he knows Jesus and is filled with his Spirit. God wants this level of conviction for us as well. As we celebrate this weekend (at least in these parts) let Jesus reveal himself to us as the one seated and reigning in heaven. Then, whatever our earthly circumstances may be, we are able to rejoice.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.


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